Bioresource Processing Research Institute of Australia (BioPRIA)

Our mission

To promote Australia's sustainable development through innovation in Bioproducts and Bioresource processing. BioPRIA provides value to its partners by developing new products and markets through research, and by increasing operation efficiency and product quality by training.

Vision

BioPRIA is committed to the conversion of Biomass into advanced materials, chemicals, energy and food using sustainable processes and novel technology.

History

BioPRIA is the BioProduct innovation centre from APPI. APPI was created in May 1989 from the memorandum of understanding signed between Monash University and the Pulp and Paper Manufacturers Federation of Australia (PPMFA). APPI’s home was built in June 1991.

Research

BioPRIA’s research activity is articulated around three platforms:

  1. PALS – ARC Research Hub for Processing Lignocellulosics into High Value Products

    The ARC Research Hub for Processing Lignocellulosics into High Value Products (PALS) receives $6.8 million investment over 5 years from the ARC funding, industry partners and Monash University contributions. The Hub aims to convert renewable and readily-available biomass material and waste streams from the Australian pulp, paper and forest industry into new, high-value products that are in high demand in existing and developing markets. The ARC Research Hub for Processing Lignocellulosics into High Value Products (PALS) receives $6.8 million investment over 5 years from the ARC funding, industry partners and Monash University contributions. The Hub aims to convert renewable and readily-available biomass material and waste streams from the Australian pulp, paper and forest industry into new, high-value products that are in high demand in existing and developing markets.

  2. Diagnostics – Engineering paper biodiagnostics for health

    Blood transfusion is a necessary treatment for many medical conditions, including blood disorders, cancer, surgery, trauma and childbirth. The diagnostics group have several ongoing projects in progress to aid different aspects of the blood transfusion industry. Our goal is to ensure testing is low cost, rapid, easy to use and accurate.

  3. Sustainability - Recyclability and Replacement of petroleum-derived plastics

    Traditionally, food packaging materials are based on petroleum-based plastics due to their versatile and durable nature with reliable gas and water barrier. Despite of all its benefits, the production of petroleum-based plastics leads to greenhouse gas emissions, environmental pollution and damages in the ecosystems. One way to solve those problems is to replace plastics derived from petroleum with renewable sources such as bio-based products. Our research is aimed to develop new biodegradable food packaging materials, and to improve and strengthen their barrier properties.

Academic Staff

  • Prof. Gil Garnier, BioPRIA Director
  • A/Prof Warren Batchelor, BioPRIA Deputy Director
  • Dr Joanne Tanner, Lecture, BioPRIA/Chemical and Biological Engineering
  • Prof George Simon, Engineering (Polymers)
  • Prof Akshat Tanksale, Chemical and Biological Engineering
  • A/Prof Simon Corrie
  • Dr Rico Tabor, Sr. Lecturer, School of Chemistry
  • A/Prof Victoria Haritos, Chemical and Biological Engineering
  • Prof Antonio Patti, Associate Dean (International), Faculty of Science
  • Prof Philip Andrews, Head of the School of Chemistry
  • Prof Mibel Aguilar, Biochemisry & Molecular Biology
  • Dr Sushil Dhita, Lecturer, Chemical and Biological Engineering
  • Dr Leonie van’t Hag, Chemical and Biological Engineering
  • A/Prof. Vanessa Wong, School of Earth, Atmosphere and Environment

Research Staff

  • Dr Christine Browne
  • Dr Vikram Raghuwanshi
  • Dr Rodrigo Curvello
  • Dr David Mendoza

Other staff

  • Nancy Hawke
  • Scot Sharman, Technical Officer
  • Dr Rosiana Lestiani, Scientific writer

Students

  • Pallabi Sinha Roy
  • Rahul Sharma
  • Mr Shaun Ang
  • Gloria Diaz Arenas
  • Hans  Cainglet
  • Craig Stocker
  • Naghmeh Nasiri
  • Yasuaki  Inoue
  • Sara  Barricella
  • Jayalakshmi Jayaprakash
  • Jie-Ning Chuang
  • Anurag Tripathi